The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) says crews rescued five kayakers and a dog from waters off Lummi Island, one of the San Juan Islands east of Vancouver Island.
According to the USCG, crews from Station Bellingham retrieved four adults, one child and a dog on Sunday, June 9, after their kayaks became “swamped” in the ocean about 1.5 nautical miles (2.7 km) northwest of Lummi Island.
The Coast Guard in Bellingham posted on Facebook that rescue crews located the “distressed” kayakers in “frigid” 50F (10C) waters.
It says all, including the dog, were thankfully wearing personal flotation devices (PFDs).
HealthLink BC warns that hypothermia can occur when exposed to cold air, water, wind, or rain.
“Your body temperature can drop to a low level at temperatures of 10°C (50°F). Your body temperature can drop even if it is warmer than 10°C (50°F) if you are out in wet and windy weather,” it says.
“If you’re in water that is 15°C (60°F) to 21°C (70°F), you are also at risk for hypothermia.”
It says anyone can get hypothermia, though young children and older people can be at higher risk. “This is because their bodies may not be able to control temperature as well.”
After being rescued, the group was transported back to the station in Bellingham, where paramedics treated one of them, according to the USCG.
It’s urging people to plan ahead when heading out on the water.
“One of the individuals activated their inReach satellite messenger device to notify search crews. The Coast Guard recommends satellite messenger devices when phone service may be unavailable,” the USCG Pacific Northwest wrote in another social media post.
Crews from the USCG Air Station Port Angeles assisted the team from Bellingham after the CG Sector Puget Sound Command Center received the notification.
The USCG adds that warmer weather can be deceiving.
“This is another reminder that even on a beautiful day things can become dangerous in these water temperatures AND to ALWAYS wear your PFD!” it said.
Ethan Morneau
